Expanding Equality: Advocating for the LGBTQ+ Community
The extent of rights and protections for members of the LGBTQ+ community has become a heated American political issue over the last half-century. Many of the protections regarding discrimination are covered in the 1964 Civil Rights Act, while other actions like Title IX and the Fair Housing Act provide further protection from discrimination in schools and when finding housing. However, the landscape of legal protection for LGBTQ+ members is always evolving. Many believe that LGBTQ+ community members deserve further protection from discrimination and the legality to pursue their lifestyle, while others believe that the idea of LGBTQ+ rights does not fit certain American values.
Proponents of Extended LGBTQ+ Legal Protection
Mainly those with left leaning ideals support the LGBTQ+ community having extended protections under the law. However, many believe that there needs to be more specific legislation protecting the specific groups within the community. One of these groups is transgender youth; bills in many states are being proposed to not let them join sports or use preferred bathrooms, like this one from Alabama. Another group under fire is drag queens, with some states enacting bans on performances in certain situations. On a broader spectrum, suicide and poor mental health rates are higher within LGBTQ+ people compared to straight and cisgendered people, with 73% of LGBTQ youth experiencing symptoms of anxiety and 58% experiencing symptoms of depression. Most supporters believe that further legislation to accommodate different groups in the LGBTQ+ community is necessary for the community’s well-being.
Groups that Support Increasing LGBTQ+ Protections:
GLAAD
The Trevor Project
The Human Rights Campaign
Opponents of Increasing LGBTQ+ Legal Protections
Opponents of increased LGBTQ+ legal protections generally align themselves with conservative values. Religious values are the primary basis for these beliefs. For example, groups like the American Family Association advocate against LGBT rights, stating that it is apart of a life of sin. However, religion is not the only major reason given for not supporting the protections for LGBTQ+ people. During the AIDS epidemic, groups like the Traditional Values Coalition asserted that the “homosexual agenda” included the sexualization of children. This reasoning is still prevalent today, with proposed bans on drag performances in front of children in Tennessee and the viral so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill from Florida, which prevents homosexuality from being talked about in high schools unless in the context of a health class.
Groups Advocating Against Increased LGBTQ+ Protections:
American Family Association
Liberty Counsel
Public Advocate of the United States
